Nothing quite beats the cozy comfort of a rich, velvety bowl of soup paired with a perfectly melty sandwich. This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe hits that nostalgic spot and then some, delivering warmth, flavor, and a little bit of magic in every bite.

A bowl of smooth, bright orange tomato soup sits in the center of a large white speckled plate. The soup has a swirl of oil and bits of herbs on top, with a small green basil leaf in the middle. A toasted golden brown grilled sandwich is held by a woman's hand dipping into the soup, showing its crispy texture. Next to the bowl on the plate lies another piece of the same sandwich. A spoon with a wooden handle rests on the plate near the bottom, and a fresh green basil sprig is placed beside the sandwich. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about homemade tomato soup paired with grilled cheese. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to make anytime you want to feel nurtured. Plus, it’s a classic combo that never goes out of style!

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream adds that luscious texture that turns plain tomato soup into something decadent.
Perfectly Melty Grilled Cheese: Using both cheddar and mozzarella gives you the best of sharpness and meltiness.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s that childhood favorite elevated with fresh ingredients and a little extra love.

The image shows a bowl of smooth, bright orange tomato soup with a creamy swirl and sprinkled grated cheese in the center, topped with small green basil leaves. The bowl is placed on a white plate with two golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches resting beside it, showing a crisp, toasted texture. Fresh basil leaves are scattered around on the white marbled surface, adding a touch of green. In the background, there is a small bowl filled with shredded cheese. A spoon and a knife with wooden handles rest above the bowl. A light gray cloth napkin is visible at the edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The tomatoes bring tang and depth, while the butter and cream create a silky smoothness. Remember, fresh quality ingredients are your best friends in this recipe!

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, one whole yellow onion, minced fresh garlic in a small white ceramic bowl, all purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, vegetable broth in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with crushed fresh tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth tomato paste, heavy whipping cream in a small white ceramic bowl, whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt scattered neatly, a whole parmesan rind piece, golden extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, two slices of rustic sourdough bread, two slices of white cheddar cheese, two slices of fresh mozzarella cheese all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Gives a rich base for both the soup and the grilled cheese without overpowering the flavors.
Onion: Adds savory sweetness when softened, forming a foundation for the soup.
Garlic: Provides bright aromatic notes that lift the whole dish.
All Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Vegetable Broth: Adds depth without adding meat, keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The star of the show, bringing intense tomato flavor.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato richness even more.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates that luscious creamy texture that’s pure comfort.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors.
Parmesan Rind (Optional): Adds a subtle umami boost during simmering.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Shredded Parmesan Cheese (For Garnish): Adds the final touch of flavor and a bit of elegance.
Sourdough Bread: Great for grilling—it toasts crisp without losing its chewy heart.
White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with the mellow mozzarella.
Mozzarella Cheese: Brings gooey melty goodness to your sandwich.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have around or my mood. You can easily swap out cheese types, add herbs, or even play with spice levels. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—this soup and sandwich combo is forgiving and adaptable.

Variation: I sometimes stir in fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick—and it’s so good! You might try adding smoked gouda or provolone in the grilled cheese for a new flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics Just Right

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent—but don’t let it brown, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and give it about 20 seconds until fragrant. This step is key to building that savory base without bitterness.

Step 2: Thickening and Building the Soup

Lower the heat to low and sprinkle in the flour, mixing it with a splash of the broth to create a smooth paste. Cook it gently for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then add the rest of the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and the optional parmesan rind. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid burning and to help thicken the soup.

Step 3: Blend and Add Cream

Remove the parmesan rind if you used one, then blend the soup until silky smooth—an immersion blender is great here for easy cleanup. Return the soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Heat gently until it’s warmed through, but don’t let it boil to keep that velvety texture intact.

Step 4: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Assembly

Butter one side of each slice of bread generously and evenly. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a warm skillet. Layer on your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then top with the second slice, buttered side up. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side with a lid on, to trap heat and melt the cheese while crisping the bread to golden perfection.

Step 5: Melty Perfection and Serving

Once browned and melty, slice the sandwich diagonally and serve beside a steaming bowl of your creamy tomato soup. If you find the cheese isn’t quite melted, just pop it back in the skillet covered on low heat for a minute or two.

Top Tip

From making this creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that make a huge difference. These tips will help you nail it every time.

Don’t Skip the Flour Step: It thickens the soup nicely without being heavy, so the texture is perfect—not too watery.
Butter Both Sides of Bread: This makes your grilled cheese crispy and golden instead of soggy or pale.
Simmer with a Parmesan Rind: If you have one, it adds a subtle depth of umami that’s hard to beat.
Cover While Grilling: It traps heat so the cheese melts perfectly before the bread burns.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add just a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese on top of the soup—it adds a little something special without overwhelming the flavors. Fresh basil leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness if you have them.

Side Dishes

This soup and sandwich combo loves company—try it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal. A side of crunchy pickles or a light slaw also adds a nice contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve the soup in small cups or mini bread bowls, paired with grilled cheese bites cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids or when entertaining friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool it fully before refrigerating to keep things fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup without any issue—just make sure to leave some room at the top of your container for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it tastes almost as good as freshly made.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup feels too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! To make this Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe vegan, substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Use vegan cheese or skip the grilled cheese to keep it dairy-free.

What’s the best way to get the grilled cheese bread crispy?

Butter both sides of the bread evenly and cook the sandwich over medium heat with a lid on to trap the heat for melted cheese without burning the bread. Flip carefully and watch for a golden brown color. Patience is key here!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but canned crushed tomatoes have a consistent texture and concentrated flavor that makes this recipe so reliable—if you use fresh, you’ll want to cook the soup longer to develop the same depth and may need to adjust seasoning.

How do I store leftover grilled cheese sandwiches?

It’s best to enjoy grilled cheese fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to bring back some crunch instead of the microwave which can make the bread soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Recipe always reminds me of chilly afternoons and simple joys. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—here’s to cozy, comforting meals that bring everyone to the table!